Next to saving energy, saving water may be the eco-friendliest business out there. Water4 is an Oklahoma-based non-profit that’s doing both across Africa.
The organization is out to prove how being good to the environment is also good for business. Today in 2020, 60% of people living in rural areas of Africa still don’t have access to running water. To meet their daily needs, they collect untreated water from streams and rivers, and when those rivers run dry in times of drought, they are forced to ration it.
Water4 works with small water businesses across Africa to ensure people can afford safe, clean, water 24/7.
“Sustainability is about making sure the water flows for the next generation, and that requires a strong business model,” says Matt Hangen, president and CEO. “And staying in business requires saving on big costs, like energy, while ensuring no water is wasted.”
Water4’s partners use pre-paid meters on their water taps. By requiring customers to pay an affordable fee, less water goes to waste. Entire towns practicing conservation builds resilience to drought while also ensuring the enterprise has sufficient revenue to reach more people with water.
With reductions in the price of solar panels, Water4 is able to pump water from deep aquifers for a low cost, all the while reducing carbon emissions. Together, these sustainability approaches help Water4 achieve a triple bottom line that supports people, planet, and profit.
Learn more by participating in the September 19, 2020 Walk 4 Water. For more information about Water4, or to sign up, visit Water4.org/Walk.